Community Corner

Top 10 Los Gatos Library Children's Books About Machines

A look at the most popular texts among kids about cars, trucks, bicycles, busses, trains and airplanes and how they work.

Introduces various modes of transportation, including bicycles, buses, and helicopters. Includes related story and activities.

2. Thomas Goes Fishing, W. Awdry

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Envious of the children who are fishing in the river near the railroad tracks, Thomas the tank engine finds a way to enjoy the same activity. 

3. Terrific Trains, Tony Mitton

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Rhyming text introduces a variety of trains as they leave a station, rush along the tracks, and arrive at the platform where travelers are waiting. 

4. Cool Cars And Trucks, Sean Kenney

Presents easy-to-follow instructions for building such vehicles as cars, tankers, trucks, and an SUV using LEGO toy bricks.

5. The Pigeon Loves Things That Go! Mo Willems

In Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, the pigeon dreamed of driving the titular bus. In this board book, readers will see him deliriously emoting at the thought of driving a plane, a train, a car, and more, all in his uproariously over-the-top style. 

6. Firehouse! Mark Teague

Edward and his cousin Judy come for a visit to the firehouse and learn how everything works with some unexpected results. 

7. Hero of The Rails, W. Awdry

When Thomas finds an old engine named Hiro, once called the Master of the Railway, abandoned on some overgrown track, he and his friends try to fix Hiro, despite interference from busybody engine Spencer.

8. Building a Skyscraper, JoAnn Macken

Simple text and photographs present the construction of a skyscraper, including information on the workers and equipment needed.

9. Little Trucks With Big Jobs, Robert Maass

Big trucks are impressive and powerful, but little trucks are important, too. A tow truck, ambulance, forklift, and plane tug are just a few of the little trucks that have big jobs. Size doesn't matter when it comes to getting the job done. It's all in a day's work for these mighty trucks. 

10. Seymour Simon's Book of Trains, Symour Simon

Seymour Simon′s exploration of these very different trains and their uses, combined with his characteristically eye-catching full-color photographs, captures the beauty and power of steam trains, diesel trains, electric trains, and more—all at work!

—Compiled by Los Gatos Librarian Henry Bankhead


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